Philosophy 101
Short Essay Topic
Due Tuesday, Feb. 26th

Topic: Descartes' causal argument for the existence of God

In the Meditation III, Descartes develops the "causal" (or "trademark") argument for the existence
of God. Your task in this short (3-5 page, typed, double-spaced) essay is, first, to set out the
argument as carefully and in as much detail as you can manage. Your analysis of the argument
should pay careful attention to the following features:

--each of the claims (premises) that is crucial to the argument

--any arguments (or support) Descartes provides for the truth of controversial premises

The goal is to explain as clearly as possible just how the argument goes—how exactly Descartes
arrives at the conclusion that God exists.

Second, once you have the argument set out this way, critically evaluate it. This can be done in
a number of ways. Perhaps you think one of the premises is false. If so, explain why exactly you
think it is false. Perhaps you think that the argument is invalid. Try to show clearly how this is the
case (explain how all the premises could be true and yet the conclusion still false). If you think the
argument is sound, consider what you think is the strongest potential objection to it and explain
carefully why this objection is mistaken.

Remember, essays are due Feb. 26th

Note: Please feel free to ask for my help as you're working on your essay. I'll be happy to answer
            your questions. I'll even read an outline or a rough draft and give you some ideas for what
            might improve it.

Please review my comments on plagiarism in the syllabus. Minimum penalty for intentionally
            plagiarized work is an 'F' in the course.

Note: In your quest to write an excellent paper, pay careful attention to the rules that Vaughn
          develops in Chpt. 3 of his book. His discussion In Chpt. 4 is also very helpful. In
          particular, you should be sure that your paper has a thesis. This is the main claim that
          you will defend in the paper. Much of your paper will be devoted simply to explaining
          Descartes' argument in a clear, careful, and well-organized manner. However, you should
          also focus on clarity and detail in developing your criticism of the argument. A fair
          assessment of one or more objections to your view is especially helpful.